Ditch the Ducts

One of the hallmarks of my homes is that the heat and air-conditioning systems have no ducts. Or at least minimize their use. Ducts harbor germs and viruses, are most often fabricated from metals that typically create an abundance of unhealthy positive ions as air moves through them, and need to be cleaned-out and have their filters replaced on a regular basis.

There are other drawbacks of course: conventional HVAC equipment can be noisy depending on the configuration of the ductwork and the size and strength of the blower pushing the air; they are notorious for creating A LOT of dust (HINT.....not healthy); they can sometimes be hard to hide and tend to take up valuable space inside a Chicago home where frankly every inch counts when building on lots that measure only 25' x 125'; and finally regulating temperature from room to room or from season to season requires a bit of work and practice to open and close vents, adjust air flows, and balance temperatures, if at all.

Bottom line is that heating and cooling using water traveling through small diameter piping is much more space efficient, much less visually obtrusive, much quicker to respond, creates much less dust and many fewer drafts, and as anyone who has lived with radiators or radiant heat can tell you, is ultimately the most comfortable form of heating there is when designed properly.

Radiant heat works differently than traditional forced-air systems: the latter warms your home by heating and blowing air

whereas a radiant hydronic system works by heating or cooling surfaces and objects in the room. The result is a much more economical, comfortable and healthier indoor environment within the home. You will use less energy, diminish the spread of allergens, and as I said, be much more comfortable.

The Little Big Home supplies its radiant heat in various ways. In some rooms that heat is delivered through piping in the floor; in bedrooms where floorspace is at a premium because it is often covered by beds and dressers and/or an owner's area rugs, we'll install our radiant heat in the walls. In other rooms, modern and individually-controlled hot water radiators will be the star of the show. And in the center of every one of my homes--in the one place where family and friends most like to congregate--that radiant heat is provided by a super efficient, wood-burning masonry heater, also known as a Russian Fireplace.

There are so many good things to say about a Russian Fireplace that it deserves--and will get--its own blog post here shortly.